NASHVILLE, TENN. – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald said with roughly 6,000 cattlemen and women registered for the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the event offers something for everyone. The convention, which kicked-off today, Feb. 1, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn., is the largest annual gathering of the beef industry and Donald said it promises to be a convention to remember.

“Nashville is a legendary city known for its rural roots and country beats and this week America’s cattlemen and women are taking the city by storm. We’re here to highlight some of the successes of the past year while also setting goals and priorities for what lies ahead,” Donald said. “From today’s Cattlemen’s College sessions to the many other educational events that will take place over the next three days, cattlemen and women will have the opportunity to hear directly from the experts about how to sustain and improve their operations.”

After learning about the latest trends and technologies in the industry during Cattlemen’s College and attending the NCBA Trade Show, convention goers will have the opportunity to attend committee meetings and take part in NCBA’s grassroots policy process, Donald said.

“It is important to let the voice of our producers be heard. The grassroots policy process is the backbone and the strength of NCBA. Cattlemen come together to discuss policy priorities and then chart the course forward for NCBA,” Donald said. “From cattle health and federal lands to marketing and tax policy issues, there will be critical issues addressed this week.”

While cattlemen and women will be hard at work during the day, Donald said there will be many opportunities to enjoy the Nashville culture at entertainment events, including a Honky Tonk Party, Thur., Feb. 2, and a Cowboy’s Night at the Opry, Fri., Feb. 3, which will be held at The Grand Ole Opry, and feature performances by the legendary Charlie Pride and Little Jimmy Dickens as well as Josh Turner and more.

With so many events taking place during the convention, Donald encouraged all who are registered to download the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention app to their smart phones to see the schedule of events, locations, maps and receive alerts before, during and after the event. Visit http://www.beefusa.org for more information about the convention. Click here for photos and follow NCBA on Twitter.